Wakey extravaganza Long Division returns this year with a jam-packed schedule of top bands, and a spiffy new arts and culture programme. Heading over? Here’s local troupe Drahla’s guide to Wakefield.
Eyewood
Eyewood is a vintage shop owned by our good friends Nat and Robin; they have a darkroom upstairs which is where we printed all our rayograms for the ‘Third Article’ EP pre-orders. They always have great things in stock, but above all, they’re amazing people to be around.
Silver Spice
Silver Spice is a cafe in town serving Pakistani food. The food is amazing here, really good prices and the people who run it are super friendly.
Inns of Court
We’ve all been going here since we were pretty young (too young…). It’s a no-frills pub with a hard rock jukebox and a pool table. Run by legends Trish and Dave you’ll always see a friendly face in there at pretty much all times of the day. They put on gigs now and again and have always supported the local music scene. It’s just behind the town hall on King Street. Find the time at Long Division and nip in for a swift, it’s essential.
Wakefield Beer Exchange
Another pub, Beer Ex is a pretty cool laid back bar with loads of real ales on tap, a good spot for later on in the evening. Wide selection of nuts and pork pies. They also have a rotating art exhibition and DJs select nights of the month. Our friends Nat (Eyewood) have a residency here, and Stringer (Piskie Sits).
Wah Wah Records
Wah Wah is an independent record shop on Brook Street just off The Springs. It boasts a great selection of new and second-hand vinyl / CDs / tapes of all genres. Run by Alan, he’ll happily order in if they don’t have what you want and he has a wealth of musical knowledge if you want to pick his brains about anything. He also supports local indie labels by stocking the releases alongside the usual stock. Great guy, great shop!
The Hepworth Gallery
Hepworth is a really amazing gallery that recently won Museum of the Year. The building’s great and they have some incredible exhibitions. They recently had a JW Anderson exhibition which was great. A 10-minute walk from town, free in, well worth a visit.
Viva Pizza
Pizza takeout, the chicken wings are great. An end of the night sensation.
Red Shed
Red Shed is a red shed. A little pub we did our first gig in for our friend Cowie. Worth a visit if you want a super cheap beer in an unassuming location.
Jolly Tap
The Jolly is a relatively new pub on the corner of North Gate / Cross Street. It’s a cool little bar that has a fortnightly quiz hosted by local super legend Rob Dee Stokes. Rob runs indie label Philophobia Music when he’s not hosting quizzes! Check out the Jolly and check out Philophobia Music.
Warehouse 23
Warehouse 23 is a fantastic venue on Smyth street. We’re playing there at LD! It’s got the best sound engineer this side of anywhere in Neil ‘Harry’ Harrison. You’ll struggle to not visit this 800+ venue on 2nd June.
Long Division takes place from 1st-3rd June in various venues in Wakefield.